Examination of Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors of Individuals Who Picnic as an Outdoor Recreation Activity


Çetinkaya G., Kaplan M.

Journal of Recreation and Tourism Research, vol.7, no.4, pp.642-664, 2020 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 7 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Journal Name: Journal of Recreation and Tourism Research
  • Journal Indexes: Other Indexes
  • Page Numbers: pp.642-664
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Participation in outdoor recreational activities is increasing the last decade. Considering the increase of outdoor recreation activity, it is important to evaluate the environmental values, attitudes and behavior of the participants and to develop effective strategies for environment and natural resource management. The aim of the study is to determine the environmental attitudes of individuals participating in the picnic activity as an outdoor recreational activity using the new environmental paradigm scale. Within this purpose, a total of 376 picnic individuals, including 232 males (XAge: 34.65 ± 12.95) and 144 (XAge: 34.22 ± 12.25) females, selected by convenience and purposeful sampling method, voluntarily participated in the study. The study was carried out in Düzlerçamı Recreation area, which is frequently used for picnics in Antalya province in the spring of 2017. New Environmental Paradigm Scale and Environmental Behavior Scale were used to measure the environmental attitudes and behaviors of the participants. In addition, the participant information form created by the researchers was used to determine the demographic characteristics of the participants. As a result of the study, it was reported that the environmental attitude and behavior scores ofthe individuals who had a picnic as an outdoor recreational activity were moderate level and that various demographic features affect the environmental attitude and behavior. In addition, there was a weak positive relationship between their environmental attitudes and behaviors.